Masada & Dead Sea: Small Group Tour from Tel Aviv

Explore the Dead Sea and the ancient ruins of Masada on a small group day tour. Ascend by cable car to King Herod’s mountain fortress, before floating in the saline rich Dead Sea waters. Return to Tel Aviv via the Qumeran Caves.

About this activity

Duration 10 hours

Printed or mobile voucher accepted

Instant confirmation

Live tour guide

English, Spanish, French, German

Pick-up service

Hotels in: Netanya at 06.30 ; Herzliya at 07:00; Tel Aviv 07:20. Pick up is provided from centrally located hotels only. The supplier will confirm the pick-up time and address. If your hotel is not central, you will be sent the address of the closest meeting point.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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Experience

Highlights

Drive through the Judean desert

Ascend Masada by cable car and tour King Herod's mountain fortress

Learn about one of the most remarkable chapters of Jewish history

Swim and float in the Dead Sea

Full description

This full day tour takes you to the Judean Hills and the shores of the Dead Sea, to the site of one of the most remarkable stories in Jewish history. Perched on a high plateau, the ancient fortified palace of Masada became a refuge for Zealots who took a stand against the Romans until their mass suicide in 73 AD.

In a “business class” environment of a small group with personal service, you will depart from Tel Aviv for the Judean Hills and the lowest place on earth. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada to learn about the heroic story of the Jewish fighters.

High above the sea, the former palace sits precariously on a plateau some 1,300 feet above sea level. It measures 2,000-foot long by 1,000-foot wide and boasts commanding views of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert. It is an exhausting climb, but luckily since King Herod’s time a fast-track cable car has been installed, allowing you to ascend the mountain in minutes.

Once at the top, explore the fortress built by King Herod in around 37 BC. Visit the remains of the palaces and see mosaic floors, Roman baths and other findings. Masada was also home to the oldest synagogue in Israel, but one of the most remarkable features are the 12 water cisterns, each with a capacity of up to 140,000 cubic feet, that were hewn into the cliff.

Descend by cable car and drive to the Dead Sea, or “Sea of Salt.” Located in the Jordan Rift Valley between Jordan and the West Bank, it is the lowest place on earth and its high density of salt makes for a unique experience as you float on the beautiful aquamarine surface.

You will stop to relax at one of the resorts on the shores of the Dead Sea and enjoy the opportunity to float while covering yourself with the mineral-rich, therapeutic Dead Sea mud.

Its health-giving properties have turned it in to a major spa destination with a variety of unique bath products for sale in the hotels and shops. Purchase some bath salts and skin creams to take home, before heading back to your hotel in Tel Aviv, Netanya or Herzliy.
Please note that from January 17th to 23rd, 2019 the visit to Massada will be replaced by a visit to Qumeran and Ein Gedi nature reserve.

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Includes

Pick up/drop off from centrally located hotels

Transportation

Government licensed tour guide

Entrance fees to sites.

What’s Not Included

Meals

Tips

When you get there

Know before you go

• Modest dress (no shorts or sleeveless shirts) and head covering are required for visiting holy places.
• Bring sun protection lotion, a bathing suit and towel
• Hotel pick up is provided from centrally located hotels only. The supplier will confirm the pick-up time and address. If your hotel is not central, you will be sent the address of the closest meeting point
• Please note that from January 17th to 23rd, 2019 the visit to Massada will be replaced by a visit to Qumeran and Ein Gedi nature reserve